Overview of the C-2W Experimental Diagnostic Systems

In TAE Technologies’ current experimental device, C-2W (also called “Norman”)\footnote{H. Gota et al., Nucl. Fusion \textbf{59}, 112009 (2019).}, record breaking, advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas are produced and sustained in steady state utilizing variable energy neutral beams, advanced divertors, end-biasing electrodes, and an active plasma control system. Combining unmatched operating capabilities with a unique diagnostic suite\footnote{M.C. Thompson et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. \textbf{89}, 10K114 (2018).}, the C-2W machine remains the world’s premier venue for studying fast-ion-dominated FRC plasmas. C-2W’s diagnostic suite is being further expanded to measure and understand key factors of stability and confinement. These new additions include: ChERS with neutral beam, an IR camera, upgraded bolometer systems, Hall probes, Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy, and more. The suite consists of 20 separate categories and a total of 50+ individual systems all producing data for every plasma shot. The synthesis of the data produced by these systems coupled with sophisticated analysis and advanced reconstruction techniques lead to a comprehensive understanding of C-2W plasmas and guide us toward an emerging reactor design.